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    Boat Registration and Licenses

     
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      Page Overview
    • What to Register
    • Exemptions
    • Requirements and Procedures
    • Fees
    • Renewals and Replacements
    • Boater License
    • Boater Safety Courses

    Top What to Register

    All motorized boats.

    What Not to Register

    • Canoes.
    • Kayaks.
    • Rowboats.

    Top Exemptions

    • Boats documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.
    • Boats from other countries kept on District waters for less than 50 consecutive days.
    • Registered boats from other states kept on District waters for less than 50 consecutive days.
    • Boats used exclusively for racing.
    • Lifeboats.

    Top Requirements and Procedures

    Boat titles and registrations are handled by the Metropolitan Police Department's Harbor Patrol.

    1. Visit the Metropolitan Police Department's Harbor Patrol office located at 550 Water St. NW. Bring your boat's title if you've recently located to DC.
    2. Complete a Title/Registration form (unavailable online for downloading).
    3. Pay a 6% titling fee and a registration fee based on your boat's length (with either check or money order only).

    For other boat registration situations (newly purchased, boats with liens, etc.) call (202) 727-4582 and ask for "boat registration."

    Top Fees

    • Less than 16 feet: $15
    • 16 feet to less than 26 feet: $25
    • 26 feet to less than 40 feet: $35
    • More than 40 feet: $60

    Top Renewals and Replacements

    Boat registrations expire each year on December 31. Renewal notices are mailed in November.

    Renew Online

    Currently unavailable.

    Renew by Mail

    Send to the address located on the renewal notice.

    Renew in Person

    Drop off your renewal notice at:

    • 550 Water St. NW
    • Washington, DC 20024

    Replace Lost Registration

    Visit the Harbor Patrol office with proof of identification. Free.

    Top Boater License

    Anyone operating a boat in the District of Columbia is required to have a boating safety certificate.

    Top Boater Safety Courses

    • Online: Take an approved course through Boater Exam.
    • Classroom: The Metropolitan Police Department's Harbor Patrol conducts courses.
     
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The Unofficial DMV Guide (the Site) is a privately owned, for-profit Web site owned by OnlineGURU, Inc. The Site specifically disclaims any and all connection with any state bureau, division, or Department of Motor Vehicles, or any state or federal government agency. The Unofficial DMV Guide does its best to get the correct information for each state motor vehicle department on its site but does not claim responsibility for the accuracy of the information displayed herein. It is not complete or certified information. Additionally, the Site expressly disclaims any and all liability for third party links or resources on the Site and any claims of negligence arising from same. For official information, please consult your state motor vehicle department.

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